Search

Betaseed Plant Breeding

Published in the March 2009 IssuePublished online: Mar 07, 2009

SHAKOPEE, Minn.—With the promotion of Margaret Rekoske to Plant Breeder for Betaseed Inc.’s eastern area markets, Betaseed initiates a plan of succession for its strong plant breeding program. Rekoske, who has already assumed the breeding responsibilities for the Sidney and Alberta markets, will be working closely with Dr. Art Quinn.

Together, Rekoske and Quinn will work to develop new varieties for the American Crystal, Minn-Dak and Southern Minnesota markets. Rekoske will also assume leadership of the Shakopee breeding staff and the coordination of breeding activities.

In addition, Betaseed announced the addition of Dr. Oscar Rodriquez as a new Plant Breeder at its Kimberly, Idaho, research station. He reports to Dr. Prem Mehta and will lead the Kimberly staff in varietal development for the western markets. Dr. Rodriquez brings experience in the use of molecular markers in breeding and has over 20 years of experience in plant breeding working with several crops including grasses, sorghum and corn. His primary focus has been breeding for wide adaptation and high yield potential with a strong emphasis in disease resistance.

American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall, in testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works last week, recounted a long list of regulatory abuses and missteps by the federal government.

The budget deal approved by Congress and signed by President Trump includes a number of important agricultural provisions that will help America’s farmers and ranchers and support American food security.